Dambulla, July 31, 2026: A brilliant unbeaten century from Imesha Dulani guided Sri Lanka Women to a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a competitive target of 177, Sri Lanka reached 177-4 in 19 overs, with Dulani producing a match-winning unbeaten 101 off 64 deliveries, smashing 17 fours and a six. Captain Chamari Athapaththu provided strong support with an aggressive 39 off 22 balls, striking five fours and two sixes.
Kavisha Dilhari contributed 11 runs, while Nilakshika Silva remained unbeaten on nine off four balls as the hosts completed the chase with six wickets in hand and six balls to spare.
Earlier, Pakistan posted a challenging total of 176-7 after being asked to bat first, courtesy of an impressive opening stand between captain Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar.
Shawaal top-scored with a fluent 63 off 41 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six, while Muneeba made a brisk 42 from 24 deliveries, including nine boundaries.
Eman Naseer chipped in with 21 off 27 balls, while Ayesha Zafar added a quick 17 from 11 deliveries, striking two sixes. Saira Jabeen contributed 13 off eight balls with two boundaries.
The rest of the batting line-up struggled to build on the strong start, with Eyman Fatima scoring five, Umm-e-Hani making five, and Waheeda Akhtar dismissed without scoring.
For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari led the bowling attack with figures of 2-36 in four overs, while Kawya Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda picked up one wicket each.
Pakistan spinner Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the bowlers with 2-25 in her four overs. Humna Bilal and Umm-e-Hani claimed one wicket apiece, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
